Today in History: November 29

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On this day in Bahamian history, in 1904 William Grey-Wilson became governor and commander-in-chief of the Bahama Islands. He served as governor from 1904 – 1912.

During his term in office, the colony saw many firsts including the opening of Royal Bank of Canada on Bay Street in 1908 and electricity became available for the first time, when a gas generator was s installed which produced a weak current.

His tenure also saw the first motion picture shown in the colony in 1911.

In 1965 the House of Assembly passed a bill agreeing to change the currency of The Bahamas from sterling to Bahamian dollars, effective by Easter, 1966.

On this day in 2012, former Prime Minister Perry Christie accepted a copy of the book, The History of The Bahamas in Pictures. Christie brought remarks during the book’s launch at The Bahamas Historical Society Museum.

A depiction of Bahamian history was painted on several screens by the English-born artist Diana B. L. Pullinger over fifty years ago. Originally owned by the memorable Nassau Shop on Bay Street, it was later donated to The Bahamas Historical Society.

On November 29, 2017 former Bahamian Ambassador to the United States and permanent representative to the Organization of American States, Sidney Collie, presented his credentials to then U.S. President Donald Trump.

In world history, on this day in 2001, former Beatle George Harrison, who made his solo mark after the band’s break-up with the hit single “My Sweet Lord”, died of cancer. He was 58.

In 2005, in the first major ruling of Pope Benedict’s reign, the Vatican imposed restrictions on homosexuals entering the Catholic priesthood, saying men must first overcome any “transitory” gay tendencies.

His prolific writings generally defend traditional Catholic doctrine and values, during his papacy, Pope Benedict advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increased secularization of many western countries.